In his Modern Chess and Chess Masterpieces (1887), Henry Bird addresses his defense to the Ruy Lopez, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 Nd4 – in a manner that I find parallells my own attitude toward the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+):
I sometimes play this, but not always; it depends upon the state of mind I am in, and whether I want a lively and critical game or a steady contest – one, in fact, in which my adversary considers that I treat him with becoming respect. A well-known and esteemed reverend gentleman once objected that I would not make so silly a move against one of the greatest players.
graphic by Jeff Bucchino, "The Wizard of Draws"
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